Did Ex-VP Seek 2 Pregnant Women Release?

There have been mountains of criticisms from the public and even those claiming to have championed the release of two pregnant women from the Monrovia Central prison after it was reported that their release from further detention was secured by detained former Vice president, Jewel Howard-Taylor.

One account, according to family sources of the released inmates, acknowledged the role of Action Aids and some women lawyers, who have been on the case for the past months prior to Madam Taylor recent detention. 

The family and friends, including the Ministry of Justice, have categorically denied that it was Madam Taylor’s intervention that got the women out of prison.

For its part, the Ministry of Justice has set the record concerning the release of the women straight, saying that their released was straightly legal.  

The Ministry has clarified the circumstances surrounding the August 28 release of two pregnant pre-trial detainees, Kebbeh Pewee and Annie Kollie, from the Monrovia Central Prison.

‎‎The Ministry said the two women were released through established legal procedures, following nolle prosequi applications filed by the prosecution and subsequent release orders issued by Criminal Court “A” in Montserrado County.

The clarification comes amid public reports suggesting that their release was secured through the intervention of former Vice President Jewel Howard-Taylor, who is currently detained at the prison.

‎‎According to the Ministry, the Bureau of Probation and Parole Services, on August 11, requested the Montserrado County Attorney’s Office to consider Pewee, Kollie, and another pregnant detainee, Christiana Roberts, for possible relief. The Ministry says discussions followed among relevant justice officials on the appropriate legal processes.

‎‎The Ministry further disclosed that on August 27, assigned prosecutor Cllr. Sumo Kutu-Akoi filed nolle prosequi applications for Pewee and Kollie. Pewee was facing an aggravated assault charge, while Kollie was charged with manslaughter. In Pewee’s case, the complainant, Morris Knuckles, also signed a waiver indicating that he no longer wished to pursue the complaint.

‎‎Following the prosecutorial actions, Assigned Circuit Judge D. Onesimus Banwon issued release orders on August 28, directing that the two women be released from detention. The Bureau of Corrections subsequently implemented the court orders.

‎‎The Ministry said while it does not seek to dismiss any humanitarian concern expressed regarding the women, its review shows that their legal release was carried out through prosecutorial and judicial processes.

‎‎The Ministry has also emphasized that the cases are part of broader efforts to address prolonged pre-trial detention and overcrowding at the Monrovia Central Prison. It says other cases are being reviewed for possible relief through lawful mechanisms, including probation, parole, community service, and prosecutorial action.